The podcast reviews the host's year including taking a sabbatical and quitting drinking. Lessons learned are shared, such as collecting memory dividends. The speaker reflects on health goals and challenges, taking time off and finding balance, and capturing life moments. They also discuss goals for the new year and maintaining balance in life.
Taking a sabbatical and exploring hobbies can provide opportunities for relaxation, recharge, and identity shift.
Quitting alcohol can lead to increased energy, better sleep, improved mental and physical health.
Deep dives
Annual Planning Process and Sabbatical
The speaker shares their annual planning process, which involves setting vision, goals, and breaking them down into monthly and weekly tasks. They also discuss taking a sabbatical and doing absolutely nothing as a break from their structured routine. This unconventional year provided opportunities to relax, recharge, and learn. They underwent an identity shift, quit alcohol, and explored hobbies from their childhood.
Improving Health and Surprising Biomarker Results
One of the speaker's goals was to improve their health by working out, getting biomarkers checked, and seeing a therapist. Although they lost weight initially, they gained it back due to inconsistent habits. Meanwhile, the speaker learned about their high genetic risk for heart disease, despite leading a healthy lifestyle. This revelation prompted them to prioritize preventive measures and sparked a plan to make a long-term lifestyle change.
Wise Decision: Quitting Alcohol and Valuable Lessons
The speaker considers quitting alcohol the wisest decision of the year. Starting with a one-month sober challenge, they extended it to the entire year and now have no plans to drink again. They highlight the benefits of increased energy, better sleep, and improved mental and physical health. The speaker shares various lessons, including the importance of taking breaks, finding personal balance, embracing multiple facets of identity, prioritizing joy in life's journey, and investing in creating memorable experiences.
I review my year where I took sabbatical, quit drinking alcohol, and share my biggest unexpected surprise. I also share some important lessons that anyone can apply in their own lives, including collecting memory dividends.